Gallery Furniture founder Jim McIngvale gives an inspirational speech to the PTA moms at Clear Lake High School on Friday, May 22, 2009. McIngvale, who was joined by his daughter, Liz McIngvale, top left, and his son, James McIngvale, top center, told the crowd that he has taught both his children and his employees to be resilient and come back from adversity. less

Gallery Furniture founder Jim McIngvale gives an inspirational speech to the PTA moms at Clear Lake High School on Friday, May 22, 2009. McIngvale, who was joined by his daughter, Liz McIngvale, top left, and ... more

Laura McIngvale, daughter of Jim McIngvale, bids on the Grand Champion during the Junior Market Steer Auction at Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 14, 2009, in Houston. She said family friend Dr. Philip Leggett, right, helped talk her through the bidding process. Related story. less

Laura McIngvale, daughter of Jim McIngvale, bids on the Grand Champion during the Junior Market Steer Auction at Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 14, 2009, in ... more

Chris Barton of Jarrell with his Grand Champion after the final bid during the Junior Market Steer Auction at Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 14, 2009. Laura McIngvale won the bidding at $300,000. Related story. less

Chris Barton of Jarrell with his Grand Champion after the final bid during the Junior Market Steer Auction at Reliant Arena Sales Pavilion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 14, 2009. Laura ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

Chris Barton of Jarrell with his Grand Champion after the final bid... Photo-4018269.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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Congratulations

Laura McIngvale talks with Chris Barton after she won the bid on his Grand Champion on March 14, 2009. Related story.

Laura McIngvale talks with Chris Barton after she won the bid on his Grand Champion on March 14, 2009. Related story.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

Laura McIngvale talks with Chris Barton after she won the bid on... Photo-4018270.55017 - Houston Chronicle

Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III announces the details of a Gulf Coast hurricane recovery fund in September 2008 with Steven Miller, left, Jim McIngvale and Tilman Fertitta. Related story.

Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III announces the details of a Gulf Coast hurricane recovery fund in September 2008 with Steven Miller, left, Jim McIngvale and Tilman Fertitta. Related story.

Photo: Craig Hartley, .

Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III announces the details... Photo-4018273.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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Olympics pitch

Jim McIngvale works the phones in the Texas 2008/Gallery Furniture hospitality suite inside the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, seeking support in 1996 for a Houston Olympics. Related story.

Jim McIngvale works the phones in the Texas 2008/Gallery Furniture hospitality suite inside the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, seeking support in 1996 for a Houston Olympics. Related story.

Zane Hayes, 11, of Plainview, tries to maneuver a reluctant shorthorn steer into position for the official photograph with the winning bidders, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and pro wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin on March 3, 2001. Related story less

Zane Hayes, 11, of Plainview, tries to maneuver a reluctant shorthorn steer into position for the official photograph with the winning bidders, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale and pro wrestler Stone Cold Steve ... more

Art Horridge, who was the Houston Oilers mascot for 25 years, holds up his Super Bowl ticket Jan. 28, 2000, provided by Jim McIngvale. "He's a Houston legend. Everyone remembers him during the Oilers days," McIngvale said. less

Art Horridge, who was the Houston Oilers mascot for 25 years, holds up his Super Bowl ticket Jan. 28, 2000, provided by Jim McIngvale. "He's a Houston legend. Everyone remembers him during the Oilers days," ... more

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP, .

Art Horridge, who was the Houston Oilers mascot for 25 years, holds... Photo-4018252.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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Clay Court Championships

George and Barbara Bush watch with Jim and Linda McIngvale as Pete Sampras makes a return during his opening match against Jan Vacek of the Czech Republic on April 23, 2002, at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at Westside Tennis Club. Related story. less

George and Barbara Bush watch with Jim and Linda McIngvale as Pete Sampras makes a return during his opening match against Jan Vacek of the Czech Republic on April 23, 2002, at the U.S. Men's Clay Court ... more

Photo: SMILEY N. POOL, .

George and Barbara Bush watch with Jim and Linda McIngvale as Pete... Photo-4018254.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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Tsunami relief

Former President George Bush listens along with Jim McIngvale as his wife, Linda, talks about tsunami fundraising efforts Jan. 5, 2005, in Houston. Related story.

Former President George Bush listens along with Jim McIngvale as his wife, Linda, talks about tsunami fundraising efforts Jan. 5, 2005, in Houston. Related story.

Photo: DAVID J. PHILLIP, .

Former President George Bush listens along with Jim McIngvale as... Photo-4018255.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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United Way champion

Jim McIngvale speaks to Exxon employees about the United Way on Sept. 29, 1995.

Jim McIngvale speaks to Exxon employees about the United Way on Sept. 29, 1995.

Photo: Carlos Antonio Rios, .

Jim McIngvale speaks to Exxon employees about the United Way on... Photo-4018256.55017 - Houston Chronicle

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Bowl backer

(12/7/00) Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale, hands out free galleryfurniture.com hats and jerseys after the galleryfurniture.com news conference featuring members of both the Texas Tech and East Carolina football teams, Thursday afternoon at the Radisson Hotel Astrodome. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle) HOUCHRON CAPTION less

(12/7/00) Jim 'Mattress Mack' McIngvale, hands out free galleryfurniture.com hats and jerseys after the galleryfurniture.com news conference featuring members of both the Texas Tech and East Carolina football ... more